Britain's decline can be reversed

"Decline is a policy choice, not a condition. So is prosperity" writes Irwin Stelzer today.

Indeed.  And, as he reminds us, it doesn't have to be this way.

There's nothing inevitable about failing schools, criminal justice or immigration controls.  There's nothing preordained about the collapse in tax revenues, economic dynamism or social values.  We're not fated to have useless politicians, quangos or councils.

These things are all a consequence of public policy sclerosis.  And public policy has been failing across the board because those who make it are not properly accountable to the public for what they do.  From that, all else flows.

The answer?  A revolution in accountability.

In the 1980s, the Conservative task was to decentralise control over economic things; privatisation, supply side reform, deregulation.  Putting people in charge via markets, rather than politicians and state planners, meant better economic decision making.  We prospered.

Why only democratise control over economic things?  Today, the Tory task is to decentralise control over public services and politics; radical localism, elected police chiefs, open primaries and recall, parental choice.

Choice and competition revived the economy a generation ago.  Choice and accountability in public service provision and policy making can improve the way Britain is run today. 

Our best days lie ahead. All it takes is the political will .....

Posted on 11 November 2009 by Douglas Carswell

Comments

What we need is a Renaissance. A society in severe social decline tends to create 'leaders' who are part of the decline and thus perpetuate - or even accelerate - the problem. Mired with navel gazing and short termism instead of looking outwards and to the long term, such 'leaders' are useless nothings who talk endlessly and take no action that is not disastrous, because they cannot see beyond the now.

Unfortunately, Douglas, that is where 'political will' is currently mired and so what you are up against in trying to change things.

Men & women of vision can rejuvenate such a society, if they are allowed to do so. But in order for that to happen, one of them must rise to the top.

Is Cameron the solution, the leader we need, or is he just part of the problem? I have to say that right now the odds are not looking good, to me...

Posted on 11 November 2009 13:56 by Elliot Kane

Political will... and the Plan.

Posted on 11 November 2009 14:13 by Deborah

Socially virtuous though The Plan is it is light on how to achieve serious economic growth.

We could certainly achieve the 10% growth rate China has.

Most of what is required is for the state to get out of the way - stop taxing wealth creation - stop making it illegal.

http://a-place-to-stand.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-get-out-of-recession.html would do it. All the party leaders have seen it, nobody disputes a word of it & nobody is prepared to do it.

Posted on 11 November 2009 15:31 by Neil Craig

You're still living under the assumption that we are in control of policies on these matters. We are not, the EU is.

<a href="http://albionalliance.org.uk/">We are entitled to a Referendum - Join the Albion Alliance</a>

Posted on 11 November 2009 16:38 by Sue

And who are these 'people' that are going to take local control? and where are they coming from? and who is going to judge their fitness for the task in these days of 'vote for the party' politics?

Posted on 11 November 2009 18:55 by Chris Southall

As you say, all it takes is the political will.
Unfortunately, as yet, I haven't heard any suggestions of such changes from the hierarchy of the Conservative Party, or indeed any real signs of political will.
I understand that there is a desire not to frighten of potential new voters by talking of major changes, but meanwhile, people such as myself, who would normally support the Tories, are looking at UKIP.
We need some broad policy statements from Dave Cameron and other members of the shadow cabinet, and sooner rather than later.

Posted on 11 November 2009 20:38 by Brian E.

Leaders have to be optimists so good on you! But we will be a province of the EU with a local leader who seems to believe that carbon dioxide has to be sharply reduced at huge expense.

Posted on 11 November 2009 20:59 by John Page

We've just had a record ten years' economic expansion whereas under Thatcher-Major, who took more power to the state than ever before, we had 2 recessions and very ordinary growth the rest of the time (apart from a one year boom)

Be realistic Douglas.

You may think that your "Plan" (Heavens how that word has been used to attack the Labour Party!) will improve matters, but Chameleon isn't having much, no matter what Dan Han's hopes.

You'll be looking forward to "Cone Hotline" Major returning to Chameleon's shell likes . . .

Posted on 11 November 2009 21:38 by Quietzapple

I wish it were that simple. We have had political correctness thrust upon us as if it was a religion, and, in some ways, it is. So no party will deal with mass immigration, for fear of being "racist." None will tackle crime either, for fear of being "uncaring." "Let's hug a hoodie," said David. Social values? We long abandoned them.

How can there be any is a society that approves of an of duty policeman following a woman home - because she dared to chastise her children in public - and then allows her to be harassed by council officials? At the same time society apparently approves of a community service sentence for a 16 year old who raped a child? The 16 year old is free to rape other child weeks later, but he cannot be named in case his human rights are violated.

In Scotland the Health minister boasts about removing vending machines from schools - because they are "harmful" - yet approves of handing out all manner of contraceptives including the morning after pill to....children.

Are you seriously trying to tell me there is any hope for a society such as ours? History is not on your side Douglas.

Posted on 11 November 2009 22:21 by Iain

The courage of ones convictions, the willingness to break the mould and to stand up and be counted is what is required.
Can't see anyone doing that now sadly

Posted on 11 November 2009 23:29 by libertarian

But will Cameron change his mind as he has done for Europe. Is he another Heath who will make matters worse not better.
These answers we will soon find out, but with the wets in control I am not sure.

Posted on 12 November 2009 07:27 by Johnny Norfolk

Spot on Douglas, but I can't see how it's going to happen while we're being ruled by Brussels.

And yes, I have read The Plan.

Posted on 12 November 2009 09:00 by Essex Girl

You criticise only partial removal of the chains of the state Douglas, but then only advocate removal of a few more, and not the most important ones. People need personal freedoms(civil, social and lifestyle) to realise the potential of economic freedoms, and local power.

Posted on 12 November 2009 14:07 by AJ

Douglas congratulations on your Parliamentarian of the year award. Richly deserved. I understand from the very jealous Hannan that you two have bit the bullet and formed the Direct Democracy Party.... hallelujah about time, where do I join up?

Posted on 12 November 2009 21:19 by libertarian

You are, of course, right. The problem is that the open primary proposal is asking turkeys to vote for Christmas.
Whilst Cameron is paying lip service to this; Totness being the example, central office will keep firm control of the short list and that will negate the process.
Cameron is I am afraid a Blair clone. All is in the perception with no substance behind it

Posted on 13 November 2009 07:26 by John Atkins

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